weight CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2011 Owner's Manual

Black plate (78,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-78 Driving and Operating Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the inflation pressures
found on the Certification label on
the driver door or see Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9 ‑ 24 for more
information. Make sure not to
exceed the GVWR limit for the
vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow
vehicle and trailer fully loaded for
the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight
distributing hitch, make sure not to
exceed the RGAWR before applying
the weight distribution spring bars. Weight of the Trailering
Combination It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer
does not exceed any of its weight
ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR,
Trailer Weight Rating or Tongue
Weight. The only way to be sure
it is not exceeding any of these
ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle
and trailer combination, fully loaded
for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
Towing Equipment Hitches The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Most
small-to-medium trailers can be
towed with a weight carrying hitch
which simply features a coupler latched to the hitch ball. Larger
trailers may require a weight
distributing hitch that uses spring
bars to distribute the trailer tongue
weight among the two vehicle and
trailer axles. See “ Weight of the
Trailer Tongue ” in Trailer Towing on
page 9 ‑ 74 for rating limits with
various hitch types.
If a step-bumper hitch will be used,
the bumper could be damaged
in sharp turns. Make sure there
is ample room when turning to
avoid contact between the trailer
and the bumper.
Consider using sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering
professional about sway controls or
refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.

Black plate (79,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-79Weight ‐ Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
A. Body to Ground Distance
B. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the spring bars should be
adjusted so the distance (A) is the
same after coupling the trailer to the
tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch. Hitch Cover The vehicle may have a hitch cover.
To remove the hitch cover:
1. Turn the fasteners on the lower
tabs 90 degrees
counterclockwise.
2. Lift the lower edge of the cover
about 45 degrees.
3. Pull the cover downward to
disengage the upper
attachments. To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree
angle to the vehicle and push
the upper tabs in the hitch cover
into the chrome slots in the
fascia.
2. Move the bottom of the cover
forward until the lower tabs line
up with the lower fascia slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place
by pushing the upper corners
forward.
4. Turn the fasteners on the lower
tabs 90 degrees clockwise to
lock the cover in place.

Black plate (80,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-80 Driving and Operating Safety Chains Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting the road
if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Safety chains should
be attached to holes on the trailer
hitch platform. Always leave just
enough slack so the combination
can turn. Never allow safety chains
to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 900 kg (2,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly. Since the vehicle is equipped with
StabiliTrak, the trailer brakes cannot
tap into the vehicle's hydraulic
system.
Trailer Wiring Harness Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness
Package
The vehicle has a seven-pin
universal heavy-duty trailer
connector attached to the rear
bumper beam next to the
integrated trailer hitch. The seven-wire harness contains
the following trailer circuits: .
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal .
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn
Signal .
Brown: Taillamps .
White: Ground .
Light Green: Back-up Lamps .
Red: Battery Feed* .
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuses for these two circuits
are installed in the underhood
electrical center, but the wires are
not connected. They should be
connected by your dealer or a
qualified service center.
If charging a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the tow/haul mode
button located at the end of the
shift lever. This will boost the
vehicle system voltage and
properly charge the battery.

Black plate (81,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-81If the trailer is too light for tow/haul
mode, turn on the headlamps as a
second way to boost the vehicle
system and charge the battery.
Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions These wiring provisions are
included with the vehicle as part of
the trailer wiring package. These
provisions are for an electric brake
controller. The instrument panel
contains blunt cut wires near the
data link connector for the trailer
brake controller. The harness
contains the following wires: .
Dark Blue: Brake Signal to
Trailer Connector .
Red/Black: Battery .
Light Blue/White: Brake Switch .
White: Ground
It should be installed by your dealer
or a qualified service center. Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at the end of
the shift lever turns on and off the
tow/haul mode.
This indicator light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on when the
tow/haul mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load. See Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9 ‑ 43 for more
information. Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75 percent of the vehicle's Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
See “ Weight of the Trailer ” in Trailer
Towing on page 9 ‑ 74 . Tow/Haul is
most useful under the following
driving conditions: .
When pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load through
rolling terrain. .
When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in stop and
go traffic. .
When pulling a heavy trailer or
a large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired.

Black plate (50,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-50 Vehicle Care Accessory Weight :
The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio :
The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt :
A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between
the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead :
The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire :
A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread. Cold Tire Pressure :
The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10 ‑ 52 .
Curb Weight :
The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings :
A code
molded into the sidewall of
a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR :
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9 ‑ 24 .
GAWR FRT :
Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 24 .
GAWR RR :
Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 24 .
Intended Outboard Sidewall :
The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa) :
The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT ‐ Metric) Tire :
A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.

Black plate (51,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-51Load Index :
An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure :
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating :
The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight :
The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight :
The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lbs). See Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9 ‑ 24 . Occupant Distribution :
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall :
The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire :
A
tire used on passenger cars
and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure :
Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
on the tire placard. See Tire Pressure on page 9 ‑ 24
and Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 24 .
Radial Ply Tire :
A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Rim :
A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall :
The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating :
An
alphanumeric code assigned to
a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction :
The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread :
The portion of a tire
that comes into contact with
the road.

Black plate (52,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-52 Vehicle Care Treadwear Indicators :
Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1.6 mm
(1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on page 10 ‑ 60 .
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards) :
A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire's traction, temperature,
and treadwear. Ratings
are determined by tire
manufacturers using
government testing procedures.
The ratings are molded into
the sidewall of the tire. See
Uniform Tire Quality Grading on
page 10 ‑ 63 . Vehicle Capacity Weight :
The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by
68 kg (150 lbs) plus the rated
cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9 ‑ 24 .
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire :
Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard :
A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the
original equipment tire size
and recommended inflation
pressure. See “ Tire and Loading
Information Label ” under Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9 ‑ 24 .Tire Pressure If the vehicle is a hybrid, see
the hybrid supplement for more
information.
Tires need the correct amount
of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice: Neither tire
underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or
tires that do not have
enough air, can result in: .
Tire overloading and
over-heating which
could lead to a blowout. .
Premature or
irregular wear. .
Poor handling. .
Reduced fuel economy.

Black plate (53,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-53Overinflated tires, or tires
that have too much air, can
result in: .
Unusual wear. .
Poor handling. .
Rough ride. .
Needless damage from
road hazards.
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to your vehicle. This
label shows your vehicle's
original equipment tires and the
correct inflation pressures for
your tires when they are cold.
The recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, shown on the
label, is the minimum amount of
air pressure needed to support
your vehicle's maximum load
carrying capacity. For additional information
regarding how much weight
your vehicle can carry, and an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, see Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9 ‑ 24 .
How you load your vehicle
affects vehicle handling and
ride comfort. Never load your
vehicle with more weight than it
was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month
or more.
Do not forget to check the
pressure of the spare tire.
See Full-Size Spare Tire on
page 10 ‑ 81 for additional
information. How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type
gauge to check tire pressure.
You cannot tell if your tires are
properly inflated simply by
looking at them. Radial tires may
look properly inflated even when
they are underinflated. Check
the tire's inflation pressure when
the tires are cold. Cold means
your vehicle has been sitting for
at least three hours or driven no
more than 1.6 km (1 mile).
Remove the valve cap from
the tire valve stem. Press the
tire gauge firmly onto the valve
to get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire inflation pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no
further adjustment is necessary.
If the pressure is low, add
air until you reach the
recommended amount.

Black plate (61,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-61loading conditions, and inflation
pressure maintenance. Tires will
typically need to be replaced due to
wear before they may need to be
replaced due to age. Consult the tire
manufacturer for more information
on when tires should be replaced.
Vehicle Storage Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be
free of grease, gasoline or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires
or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires. Buying New Tires GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
on the vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system
rating. If you need replacement
tires, GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC
Spec rating. This way, the vehicle
will continue to have tires that
are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original
tires.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the
overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure
monitoring performance. GM's TPC
Spec number is molded onto the
tire's sidewall near the tire size. If the tires have an all ‐ season
tread design, the TPC spec number
will be followed by an MS for mud
and snow. See Tire Sidewall
Labeling on page 10 ‑ 48 for
additional information.
GM recommends replacing tires in
sets of four. This is because uniform
tread depth on all tires will help
keep the vehicle performing most
like it did when the tires were new.
Replacing less than a full set of tires
can affect the braking and handling
performance of the vehicle. See
Tire Inspection on page 10 ‑ 58 and
Tire Rotation on page 10 ‑ 59 for
information on proper tire rotation.
{ WARNING
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting to
mount or dismount a tire could
cause injury or death. Only your
dealer or authorized tire service
center should mount or dismount
the tires.